Amoebic liver abscess (patient information)

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[2]

Overview

Amebic liver abscess is a collection of pus in the liver in response to an intestinal parasite called Entamoeba histolytica.

What causes amoebic liver abscess

• Amebic liver abscess is caused by Entamoeba histolytica.
• This parasite causes amebiasis, an intestinal infection that is also called amebic dysentery.
• After an infection has occurred, the parasite may be carried by the blood from the intestines to the liver.
• The disease spreads from eating food or water that has been contaminated with feces (sometimes due to the use of human waste as fertilizer).
• It is also spread through person-to-person contact.
• The infection occurs worldwide, but is most common in tropical areas where crowded living conditions and poor sanitation exist.
• Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and India have significant health problems from this disease.

What are the symptoms of amoebic liver abscess ?

Symptoms of amoebic liver abscess include:

• Abdominal pain, particularly in the right, upper part of the abdomen; pain is intense, continuous or stabbing
• Cough
• Fever and chills
• Diarrhea (in only one-third of patients)
• General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
• Hiccups that do not stop (rare)
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Sweating
• Weight loss

Who is at highest risk for amoebic liver abscess?

The following increases your chances of developing amoebic liver abscess:

• Alcoholism
• Cancer
• Immunosuppression, including HIV infection
• Malnutrition
• Old age
• Pregnancy
• Recent travel to a tropical region
• Steroid use

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if:

• You develop symptoms of amoebic liver abscess
• You have amoebic liver abscess and the symptoms continue despite treatment

Diagnosis

Physical examination of abdomen along with the following tests can help in finding out amoebic liver abscess.Tests that may be done include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal CT scan or MRI
• Complete blood count
• Liver abscess aspiration to check for bacterial infection in the liver abscess
• Liver scan
• Liver function tests

Blood test for amebiasis Stool testing for amebiasis